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CFB analyst explains reasoning behind pick for The Game
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Ahead of this year’s edition of The Game, CBS analyst Brian Jones broke down his pick and why he’s going with it.
Jones said one of the key’s for Ohio State is stopping the run game and putting pressure on JJ McCarthy. He credited Michigan’s elite run game and siad the Buckeyes will have to be able to stop it.
"I think they're gonna be the most physical team. I think they will be able to run the rock. And JJ McCarthy's been in these moments previously."
👀 @JonesN4mo is going with #GoBlue and @UMichFootball in THE Game pic.twitter.com/22r8Jqj6J5
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 22, 2023
“I think there’s gonna be a little pressure on JJ McCarthy,” Jones said. “Hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in the last 3 ball games. So if Ohio State can somehow stop this Michigan rush attack, which they haven’t done the last couple of years — 250 last year, almost 300 they gave up rushing 2 years ago. They can’t stop that. McCarthy, do what you’ve been doing. Don’t throw any touchdown passes.”
Ultimately, Jones is going with the Wolverines in The Game because he believes their physicality will be too much for Ohio State.
“I’m going with Michigan in this ball game,” Jones said. “I think they’re going to be the more physical team, I think they will be able to run the rock, and JJ McCarthy has been in these moments previously.”
The Game will kickoff at noon ET on Saturday.